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On Friday, January 27, 2017 three local youth entrepreneurs had the opportunity to hone their talents during the Youth Entrepreneur Showcase (Y.E.S.) during the Ord Wresting Invite at Ord High School. Jennifer Remmereid, Ord FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) Sponsor explains, “The Y.E.S. event is a great way to promote youth entrepreneurship during the off-season of summer sales. We really focus on marketing during the event and are excited that Ord FBLA can provide the entrepreneurs with a new banner to market their business.”

Emma’s Wrap Arounds (Emma Cline), Josie’s Specialties (Josie Lange) and TJ’s Custom Decals (TJ Kittle) prepared in a variety of ways for the opportunity to connect with dozens of potential customers during the wresting invite as explained by Ord FBLA Officer, Maliki Vodehnal, “The YES event is a great opportunity for our young entrepreneurs to receive guidance and critique from local professionals and high school FBLA members. Shelby Kittle and I were extremely fortunate to be able to work with these young prosperous business owners on creating business banners, improving their sales pitch and cultivating their PSA’s on the local radio.”

Shelby Kittle, another Ord FBLA Officer, goes on to share “For the past three years, I have had the opportunity to watch these young entrepreneurs as they grow their own businesses. I truly enjoy seeing how they improve and change as the years go by. I’m glad to know that young entrepreneurs are making something of themselves at such a young age.” As a way to encourage continued business development, the entrepreneurs were awarded $100 of seed money granted by the Valley County Community Foundation Fund and Ord FBLA as well as a free year of membership to the Ord Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Youth Entrepreneur Showcase is more than just a one-time event to generate sales. The event is part of a holistic approach to youth entrepreneurship and leadership development that includes other activities such as ESI Camp, Business Discovery Day, School-to-Work and other programs that are strategically coordinated by partners including the Ord Area Chamber of Commerce, Valley County Economic Development, Valley County Community Foundation Fund, Central Community College Ord Learning Center, Ord FBLA and local schools among others. The desired outcome of this holistic system is that local youth will one day recognize the fulfilling opportunity to launch an entrepreneurial endeavor in Valley County or return to the area to share their talents with an existing business.